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We love culture as much as anyone, but for us, the best part of a day immersed in the arts is the snack at the end. This fall, we're looking for cultured and cozy galavants in beautiful Ontario where we're never far from a fabulous meal — starting with Durham.
Durham Region makes up the east end of the Greater Toronto Area plus part of the Golden Horseshoe, and offers city dwellers a slower pace as the leaves start to turn. Handily, for Torontonian taste buds, there’s no shortage of flavour or fun.
The Durham Region is bustling with outdoor pursuits, stunning natural landscapes and bags of history. And, thanks to its small-town charm, plenty of local events bring together vendors and artisans, plus farmers’ markets, while many cideries and distilleries are turning the region’s bounty into award-winning apple cider and fruit wines.
Autumn days are approaching, with chillier weather; but that’s the perfect excuse to spend time moseying around art galleries before finishing the day cozied up in some of the region’s best eateries. We’ve broken down the best areas to visit and get a slice of culture — followed by a slice of something delicious.
Bowmanville
This community in the municipality of Clarington is an area of historic significance with lake views, hiking trails and
farm-to-table fare.
Visual Arts Centre of Clarington
This local gem is tucked away in Bowmanville inside a gorgeous red brick building, but don’t let its size fool you. It packs a punch with absorbing exhibitions in disciplines including sculpture, painting, photography and video art from creators across Ontario.
Three Six Kitchen
Jolene Baker Photography
From wheat and barley to pumpkins and corn, Three Six Kitchen focuses on high-quality ingredients and updates its menu seasonally to support local farmers. Dig into executive chef and owner Michael McKay’s delectable dishes in the recently renovated space.
Starapples
Named after the star apple tree native to the West Indies, this Jamaican restaurant brings island flavours to the heart of Bowmanville. Dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat and oxtail stew, made using fresh and authentic Caribbean ingredients, have made this place a local fave.
Oshawa
This vibrant city is home to the Canadian Automotive Museum, Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens and gorgeous waterfront views.
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
You could spend a whole day exploring the largest public art gallery in Durham Region — and that’s before you factor in the events programming like yoga and musical performances. Admission is by donation, so you can enjoy modern and contemporary exhibitions for less.
BOND|ST Snack Bar
This historic venue has had nine lives, but today BOND|ST Event Centre is home to a café, lounge, live music and Oshawa’s answer to 416 Snack Bar. Enjoy pan-fried dumplings and loaded smash burgers at BOND|ST Snack Bar washed down with craft cocktails and beer.
Berry Hill Food Co.
This cozy spot is open all day, but brunch at Berry Hill Food Co. is hard to beat. What could be better than ripping open one of their Warm Honey Butter Biscuits or tucking into their Rummy Banana French Toast while discussing plans for the day ahead?
Whitby
Just east of Toronto, this charming area has two heritage downtowns and enough shops, cafés and restaurants to keep you occupied for the day (or more!).
Station Gallery
Located inside a historic railway station, this community space is a hub for local art, gatherings and festivals. Station Gallery is committed to championing emerging artists, and even hosts workshops, classes and lectures — because, who knows, maybe you’re the next big thing?
Lloyd’s Lunchbox
Toronto isn’t the only place that’s obsessed with gourmet sandwiches. Lloyd’s Lunchbox slings classic deli sammies packed with house-made porchetta, plus hot favourites like the Chicago Beef — and don’t miss the droolworthy porchetta in The Greedy Pig.
Surf Kitchen and Bar
Surf Kitchen and Bar has been serving small plates, tacos, street corn and guacamole to the food-loving folks of Whitby for just two years, but you wouldn’t know it; this relative newcomer routinely sees lineups for its delectable Southern Californian-inspired cuisine.
To start planning your fall day trip, head to durhamtourism.ca
